Discussion Question 1
The "Worthy" and "Unworthy" Poor
The recurrent push under President Reagan for distinguishing between the worthy and the unworthy and for the voluntary and private sector to take on more responsibility for social welfare seems to reflect a turn back to the 1800s and the Charity Organization Societies.
Do you agree or disagree with this ideology? What similarities and differences do you see between the Reagan era policies and the Charity Organization Societies? Do you agree or disagree with their claims of worthiness, based on NASW's Policy Statement on Economic Justice? Explain why.
Discussion Question 2
The Progression and Regression of Civil Rights
The 1960s marked a period of civil rights that were expanded in the 1970s. However, in the late 1980s, these efforts seemed to take a different direction, with a more conservative Supreme Court.
Given the current composition of the Supreme Court:
Do you feel civil rights continue to be reversed or expanded for certain groups?
Which groups may benefit from the current Supreme Court, and which groups may suffer? Identify two different groups whose civil rights are suffering current infringement but may not be receiving public attention.
How does the NASW Policy Statement on Civil Liberties and Social Justice address these discrimination and equity issues?